How to Ship a Car With Ease

Published: September 15, 2022

Coordinating the shipping of a car to another state can be tedious, which is why many people shy away from buying vehicles outside of their immediate area. However, sometimes the desired car deal is too good to pass up. There are other circumstances, like moving across the country with a classic car, where it’s almost always wiser to ship your vehicle instead of driving it there yourself.

There are reliable and cheap ways to transport a car, so long as you choose a reputable company. Here’s everything you need to know about how to ship a car, including tips that will help you save money.

Know Your Car Shipping Options

You have two choices when it comes to shipping a car, according to ASWD auto transport services.

• Terminal-to-terminal services – Your car is loaded into a truck and taken to a certain location before being combined with other automobiles for shipment to another terminal.
• Door-to-door services – We’ll pick up your vehicle from wherever you are and take it as close to your destination as possible.

Pick a Type of Carrier

You have the option of either open or enclosed auto shipping, depending on the value of your car. Open shipping trailers are those that you see stacked with cars driving down the road and typically use large semi trucks for closed transport. Although cheaper, open shipping can leave your car vulnerable to damage from weather conditions and highway rocks beyond the control of the transport company. If you own a valuable vehicle, this may not be an option for you.

How Car Shipping Prices are Determined

The shipping cost will be determined by various criteria, including the sort of transportation service and transport carrier.

Some variables include:

• The type and weight of the vehicle you’re shipping
• Whether or not it’s functional
• The time of year (rates can be lower in winter)
• How far you’re shipping it
• Whether door-to-door will take the transport driver far from his main route

Finding a Reliable Shipping Company

It’s easy to succumb to the temptation to choose a shipping company based only on price. You’re better off looking for a firm that offers guaranteed, timely delivery than getting upset about the cost. In this case, online reviews are extremely important.

Upgrade Your Insurance Before Shipping a Car

The government demands automobile shippers to have liability and cargo insurance, but it typically only covers the Kelley Blue Book value. Items not covered should be specified on your shipping request and the bill of lading. Consider adding comprehensive coverage for theft and collision to your auto policy.

If you feel that your vehicle is worth more to you than its resale value, or if you’re only moving for a short time, then storing it in a storage container may be the best option. UNITS Moving and Portable Storage of Miami can help you with any questions you might have.